The frontotemporal dementia that actor Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with was revealed by his family on Thursday in a group Instagram post.
Over a year after Willis' family announced the 67-year-old movie legend was retiring from acting due to an aphasia diagnosis, frontotemporal dementia, a brain illness brought on by frontal lobe atrophy, was officially diagnosed.
"Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce's original diagnosis," reads an Instagram message from wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore, and daughter Rumer Willis.
Since we disclosed Bruce's aphasia diagnosis in the spring of 2022, his condition has worsened, and we now know his illness is frontotemporal dementia (also known as FTD).
History of Bruce Willis's illness: Acting is being abandoned because of aphasia: "A extremely difficult moment"
What is frontotemporal dementia? causes, signs, and remedies
"Challenges with communication" is one of the "Many faces" of FTD.
The Instagram post reads, "Although this is terrible, it is a comfort to finally have a clear diagnosis." The "women of Willis/Moore" have signed it, and it includes a picture of Willis grinning on the beach.
The Willis family described FTD as a "cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can hit anyone." For those under 60, it is the most prevalent type of dementia, and "receiving the diagnosis can take years."
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The statement stated that "today there are no cures for the condition, a situation that we hope can change in the years ahead." "We hope that any media attention can be focused on raising a light on this disease that needs much more awareness and study as Bruce's condition worsens," the statement reads.
Moore, who is still friends with Willis and his wife, wrote an Instagram post in honour of Willis on his 65th birthday.
"Bruce, happy birthday! We are grateful for our new family "Moore penned.
Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 29, are the couple's three daughters; the actress and Willis split 20 years ago. Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 8, are the couple's two children. Bruce and Emma Willis .
